Preferred Options
(33)3. The Local Plan Process
What has happened so far?
3.1 To get to this point, the Council has already done a lot of work.
In May 2011, a document setting out the key issues for the Local Plan and Scenarios for Growth was published. This was the subject of a period of consultation ending in July 2011 (for more information, see the justification for Preferred Option section in each chapter).
A substantial amount of information and evidence has been gathered to help us understand what is changing locally and what we need to plan for. This information has been important in helping us develop our preferred options (for more information, see the justification for Preferred Option section in each chapter).
In December 2011 the Council agreed its Strategy for the Future and Sustainable Prosperity of Warwick District (for more information see paragraph 2.5 above). This set out some of the key criteria for the development of the Preferred Options
An appraisal of a range of options leading to the selection of a preferred option for each aspect of the Local Plan has been undertaken.
3.2 The Government has recently published its National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This underlines the importance of having well justified and up to date local plans and means that these local plans play a vital role in shaping the future of local areas.
3.3 Whilst a lot of work has been done to make sure these options can be justified, it is important to underline that they are suggestions at this stage and are not a final set of proposals for the Local Plan. The Council is therefore keen to hear the views of all interested parties to help us shape a draft Local Plan.
3.4 The Council has also prepared an Infrastructure Plan to sit alongside the Preferred Options. This Plan outlines some of the infrastructure (such as transport, schools, health services and open space) which is needed to help new communities prosper. More needs to be done on this, but again, the Council is keen to hear from all interested parties about infrastructure requirements.
3.5 For those who are interested in finding out more about why these preferred options have been suggested, there is some information justifying the approach set out in each chapter below. Further information (such as sustainability appraisals, studies in to employment, housing need, transport, retail and so on) are available on the Council’s website: www.warwickdc.gov.uk/newlocalplan. A set of consultation questions and a comments form is also available on the website.
3.6 Following the consideration of the Preferred Options and accompanying documents by Executive on 21st May, an eight week period of consultation will start on 1st June and run though until 27th July. During this period, the Council is keen to hear from anyone. The consultation will involve a number of public meetings, exhibitions and roadshows, information in the local press, and information on the website.
3.7 Following the consultation work will be undertaken to develop a draft Local Plan along with the more detailed Infrastructure Delivery Plan and a Community Infrastructure Levy Scheme This will then lead in to the following stages (and approximate timings) for the adoption of the Local Plan:
- Approval of Draft Local Plan, Infrastructure Delivery Plan and investment strategy and delivery plans at Council - late 2012 / early 2013
- Publication of draft Local Plan - February 2013
- Consultation on draft Local Plan - March/April 2013 (6 week consultation)
- Submission to Secretary of State - June 2013
- Pre-hearing meeting – July/August 2013
- Examination in Public Hearing – October/November 2013
- Receipt of Inspector’s report – February/March 2014
- Estimated date for adoption – March/April 2014